JOURNAL

SPEAKING BOOKS

Literacy is a luxury that many of us take for granted. We depend on written communication for information, guidance, and access to heath care information That is why SADAG created SPEAKING BOOKS and revolutionized the way information is delivered to low literacy communities. It's exactly what it sounds like.a book that talks to the reader in his or her local language, delivering critical information in an interactive, and educational way.

The customizable 16-page book, accompanied by local celebrity audio recordings, ensures that vital health and social messages can be seen, heard, read and understood..

We started with books on Teen Suicide prevention , HIV, AIDS and Depression, Understanding Mental Health and have developed over 30 titles, such as TB, Malaria, Polio, Vaccines for over 30 countries.

Profile of the South African Depression and Anxiety Group

Mental illness, and the stigma surrounding it, is a critical issue in South Africa. The South African Depression and Anxiety Group (SADAG) is at the forefront of patient advocacy, education and destigmatisation of mental illness in the country. Its expertise lies in assisting patients and callers throughout South Africa with mental health queries.

SADAG is a Non-Profit Organisation, a Registered Section 21 Company, with an 18a tax exemption. It has on its board a powerful team of Patients, Psychiatrists, Psychologists, and General Practitioners. SADAG was established twenty years ago to serve as a support network for the thousands of South Africans who live with mental health problems. Currently, it is estimated that 1 in 5 people will, or do, suffer from a mental illness. SADAG manages a 16-line counselling-and-referral call centre, and is the voice of patient advocacy, working in urban, peri-urban, and the most rural communities across South Africa.

SADAG’s activities are carried out through:

A network of over 200 Support Groups throughout South Africa (including outreach groups in remote rural areas), where the community members lack access to resources and have no funds for treatment.

A professional counselling staff, headquartered in Sandton, Gauteng, who operate the counselling lines from 8am to 8pm, seven days a week.

SADAG has worked in schools in all 9 provinces, with learners, parents and educators. Our programme “Suicide Shouldn’t be a Secret” is aimed at reducing SA’s high rate of teen suicide. 9.5 % of all teen deaths are due to suicide. SADAG teaches youths that Depression is treatable and Suicide is preventable.

Powerful media campaigns designed to destigmatise mental illness and promote mental health are at the forefront of SADAG’s patient advocacy work. In order to achieve this, SADAG runs TV and radio adverts, sends out weekly press releases to print, radio and electronic media, as well as running specific campaigns to raise awareness of Bipolar Disorder, Teen Suicide, Men and Depression and Panic Disorder. SADAG has produced over a dozen radio adverts, in various languages, and 8 TV adverts. Most months, SADAG’s media exposure amounts to over R5 million.

SADAG is recognised for its work in rural communities in the identification of depression in HIV and Aids patients, and the training of Home-based Care Workers in how to recognise the symptoms, as well as where to access treatment for their patients. Many have started support groups in their community.

EMERGENCY LINES

Dr Reddy's Help Line0800 21 22 23

Cipla 24hr Mental Health Helpline0800 456 789

Pharmadynamics Police &Trauma Line0800 20 50 26

Adcock Ingram Depression and Anxiety Helpline0800 70 80 90

ADHD Helpline0800 55 44 33

Department of Social Development Substance Abuse Line 24hr helpline0800 12 13 14SMS 32312